In a release that just went out, CBS said the host of Comedy Central’s The Colbert Report will get a five-year deal. But it’s not clear when he’ll take over: “Colbert’s premiere date as host of The Late Show will be announced after Mr. Letterman determines a timetable for his final broadcasts in 2015,” says the release.

Yes, but we'll miss 'The Colbert Report' all the same.

Also: “Specific creative elements, as well as the producers and the location for the Colbert-hosted Late Show, will be determined and announced at a later date.”

There’s been much speculation that if Colbert got the job — and, clearly, given the quick anouncement, it looks like he always knew he had it — he’d drop the right-wing schtick and host the show as, ya know, Stephen Colbert. Whoever he is.

“Stephen has always been a real friend to me,” said Letterman in a statement issued following the announcement. “I’m very excited for him, and I’m flattered that CBS chose him. I also happen to know they wanted another guy with glasses.”

Said Les Moonves, CBS’ president and CEO, “Stephen Colbert is one of the most inventive and respected forces on television. David Letterman’s legacy and accomplishments are an incredible source of pride for all of us here, and today’s announcement speaks to our commitment of upholding what he established for CBS in late night.”

Added Nina Tassler, chairman of CBS Entertainment, “Stephen is a multi-talented and respected host, writer, producer, satirist and comedian who blazes a trail of thought-provoking conversation, humor and innovation with everything he touches. He is a presence on every stage, with interests and notable accomplishments across a wide spectrum of entertainment, politics, publishing and music. We welcome Stephen to CBS with great pride and excitement, and look forward to introducing him to our network television viewers in late night.”

But how does Colbert feel about it? How do you think he feels about it?

“Simply being a guest on David Letterman’s show has been a highlight of my career,” said the two-time Peabody Award-winner who started out in Second City. “I never dreamed that I would follow in his footsteps, though everyone in late night follows Dave’s lead. I’m thrilled and grateful that CBS chose me. Now, if you’ll excuse me, I have to go grind a gap in my front teeth.”

“CBS has just declared war on the heartland of America,” he said as if right on cue. “No longer is comedy going to be a covert assault on traditional American values, conservatism. Now it’s just wide out in the open. What this hire means is a redefinition of what is funny, and a redefinition of what is comedy. They’re blowing up the 11:30 format … they hired a partisan, so-called comedian, to run a comedy show.”

Editor Picks

Comments

To post a comment, log into your chosen social network and then add your comment below. Your comments are subject to our Terms of Service and the privacy policy and terms of service of your social network. If you do not want to comment with a social network, please consider writing a letter to the editor.

ArchivesAbout this blog

About this Blog

News, reviews, nuggets and tidbits from the world of pop culture, including movies, music, TV, local and national celebrities.